OBIT: John Z. ROHRBAUGH, 1881, Codorus Township, York County, PA

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Killed on the Railroad- Mr. John Z. Rohrbaugh, a highly respected citizen of 
Codorus Twp, met his death by being run over by the cars, near Valley Junction 
on Sat evening last. He spent Sat afternoon on his farm near Porter'sSidling, 
and towards evening started for his home near South Summit, on the Bachman 
Valley Railroad, The railroad being nearer between certain points than the 
public road, he walked along the tract between the Tank and Valley Junction. At 
one of the shortest curves, where the engineer can not see ahead more than 50 
yards, mixed train No 3 from Hanover Junction came on scheduled time, at its 
regular speed and caught Mr. R walking on the tract. About 25 yards from the 
place where the accident occurred, Mr. J.R was seen walking on the foot path 
beside the tract, but as the foot path was obstructed by a bile of stones he 
took the tract, thus causing the dreadful accident.

The engineer Mr. Hiram Eichelberger, noticed him walking on the tract towards 
the engine, cane in hand and head downwards, and sounded the whistle, by Mr., R 
being deaf took no notice and the next moment the endive hurled him from the 
tract, breaking both his legs near the ankle and fracturing the rear part of his 
skull, also bruising him at many other parts. He was instantly killed. His face 
was not much disfigured, having received only a few slight wounds.

The train hands took the body to Valley Junction and there awaited orders from 
Supt Young, where were that the body should be taken to Jefferson Station. here 
an inquest was held by Squire Brodbeck. Doctors Bringman and Brodbeck examined 
the body was concluded that the fracturing of the skull caused the immediate 
death. From evidence deducted from conductor McKinney, Engineer Eichelberger, 
Firman Eckert and Mr. Levi Bange, Mr. B hearing the extra whistle, the jury 
decided that Mr. R's death was caused by the engine No 3 Train, and exonerated 
the railroad company and employees from all blame.

The remains were buried at Lischey's Church, North Cordorus Twp on Monday 
morning. Rev. Mr. Hilbish officiating and delivering an able and eloquent 
discourse. The funeral attended by a host of friends and relatives. Mr. 
Rohrbaugh was an esteemed citizen and faithful and earnest Christian worker up 
to his death . He was in the 71st year.

The relatives and friends return their thanks to the railroad company for 
carrying the body home, and especially to the train employees for their kindness 
and sympathy.

The Hanover Herald, Saturday, July 16, 1881